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Located approximately 45km east of Heraklion and 21km west of Agios Nikolaos, the Gorge Sellinari is nestled on the eastern slopes of Selena Mount, draining the valley west of Vrachassi. This gorge is a well-known location for all Cretans as the National Road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos runs along it. Historically, it served as the natural passage from the region of Lassithi to the fertile north coasts of Heraklion.
The dense vegetation of Selinari can be enjoyed either by car or by taking a leisurely walk until its exit near Milatos. A route worth exploring is the old National Road, which runs parallel to the New Road and winds through the gorge. The gorge walls and surrounding mountains provide a haven for many birds of prey. Selinari was once a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat, but sadly, it is now extinct. Several springs are scattered around the area, but the most renowned attraction is the historic Saint George Monastery. For the Cretans, it is considered a bad omen to pass a gorge without stopping at the monastery. This belief stems from the past when the Selinari Monastery served as a rest stop for travelers and their animals.
Get directions to Selinaris Gorge
Selinaris Gorge is located in the Lasithi Region of Crete, Greece.
Selinaris Gorge is a natural canyon located in the eastern part of Crete. It is known for its stunning rock formations, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.
The length of Selinaris Gorge is approximately 1.5 kilometers.
Yes, Selinaris Gorge is a popular hiking destination in Crete. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it suitable for hikers of all levels.
The best time to visit Selinaris Gorge is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the vegetation is at its most vibrant. However, it is possible to visit the gorge year-round.
No, there is no entrance fee to Selinaris Gorge.
There are no facilities near Selinaris Gorge, so it is recommended to bring your own food and water. There are also no toilets or restrooms along the trail.
Find below the list of things to do near Selinaris Gorge:
This tour includes our olive mill tour and an olive oil tasting session with an expert. You will taste 4 different olive oils and learn what qualities olive oil connoisseurs look for in an award-winning oil.
This buggy safari covers about 70 kilometres of countryside inland from the Hersonissos and Malia coast, in a two-seater buggy you drive yourself behind a guide. The route takes in Milatos cave, an olive oil factory and museum at Kourounes, lunch in the fishing village of Sissi and a swim stop at a sandy beach. Maliatravel runs it over 5 hours from €83.70 with hotel pick-up, and it holds a 4.69 rating across 28 reviews.
The route loops inland through villages and gorges before returning to the coast. Six stops fill the 5 hours.
First comes the safety briefing and driving instructions, no previous buggy experience is needed. Second, the convoy heads off-road through country roads, mountain trails and hidden gorges, passing an archaeological site connected to the Minoan civilisation and the villages of Sissi, Epano Sissi and Milatos. Third is Milatos cave, a natural cavern with multiple entrances and a place in Cretan history, visited with a guided explanation. Fourth is the Vasilakis olive oil factory and museum at Kourounes, with a guided tour and a tasting. Fifth is lunch at a family-run taverna in Sissi. Sixth is a swim at an organised sandy beach before the drive back.
Professional photographs of your day are included.
The route runs inland from the resort coast into the Lasithi hills.
The €83.70 covers the vehicle, the guiding, lunch and the photographs.
Included:
Not included:
A driving licence is required.
We recommend this one for the balance. Plenty of buggy tours in Crete are just a dusty loop and a photograph; this puts a genuine cave, a working olive factory, a village lunch and a swim inside the same five hours, which makes it a day rather than an activity. Milatos cave in particular is worth the stop on its own, it is a real chamber system with a chapel inside and a place in the island’s history, not a photo opportunity.
Guiding is the strongest dimension at 4.9 out of 5, and reviewers name their guide, Jesse appears twice, once specifically for speaking French. A German reviewer described seeing a lot of the hinterland on unpaved routes with a friendly guide; a Swiss guest called the route nice and the organisation good.
The buggy itself is a two-seater, which one Slovenian reviewer liked precisely because they did not have to drive.
Three things to weigh, because 28 reviews is a modest base and the criticisms are specific.
Reviewers want more off-road time. A British family said they really liked the buggies but would have appreciated more time actually driving off-road, with six stops in five hours, the driving is punctuated rather than continuous.
The olive factory does not suit young children. The same reviewer noted it was not very exciting for them, which is fair for a factory tour in the middle of an adventure day.
Transport scores 4.4 out of 5, the weakest dimension, which on a tour where the vehicle is the point is worth noting.
If you want more driving and fewer stops, the Hersonissos buggy adventure runs 50 kilometres in 3 hours with no lunch stop.
Bring your licence, wear closed shoes, and expect to get dusty.
Departures run daily in the morning, with hotel pick-up from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby resorts. The route covers about 70 kilometres over 5 hours.
Bring your driving licence, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes and a face covering. High heels, alcohol and glass objects are not permitted.
The safari runs 5 hours, covering about 70 kilometres with six stops along the way.
No previous experience is required. A full safety briefing and driving instructions come before the route starts.
A traditional Cretan lunch is included, at a family-run taverna in the fishing village of Sissi.
Milatos cave is a natural cavern with multiple entrances and a small chapel inside, visited with a guided explanation of its history.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby areas.
The buggies are two-seaters, so only the driver needs a licence and the passenger can simply enjoy the ride.
Check dates and prices for the Hersonissos buggy safari with cave and lunch.
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping tour aboard an innovative jet boat combining boat and plane technology. Glide across the water at top speeds and gaze at Crete’s vibrant shore from the water. Take a break from your adventure to go swimming and snorkeling.
Climb aboard the jet boat at Hersonissos Port to begin your exhilarating journey. Feel the thrill of making fantastic 360° maneuvers at high speeds, and experience how the boat dashes across the ocean and stops quickly. Stay safe at all times as you ride a stable vessel steered by a professional.
During your fun ride we explore places like Malia,Stalis and Analsipsi and after we enjoy a stop at Saint George’s Bay, a paradisiac location, to unwind from the speed. Seize the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters before making your way back to the port.
The first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, a monastery inhabited and run by nuns, which is located in an idyllic landscape. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes, and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.
Then, you head to Lasithi Plateau, one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude of over 800 meters. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.
The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
The last stop, Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture, and its breathtaking views. Here you can take pictures of the wonderful landscape, rest for a while, and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.
When seeking out unique and delicious local food on Crete Island, consider visiting a family-owned restaurant. These charming establishments offer authentic Cretan dishes made with love and tradition. The Lassithi Plateau is very famous for its local vegetable products and the taste of their fresh daily picked products will last forever in your mind.
Find below the list of hotels near Selinaris Gorge:
Boasting mountain views, Sissi – Villa Eleftheria offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.7 km from Boufos Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Avlaki Beach is 1.8 km from the villa, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from Sissi – Villa Eleftheria.
from
€141
/night
House of Polymnia has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Sissi, 2.2 km from Boufos Beach.
The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with bath and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
House of Polymnia features a barbecue and a garden.
Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2.2 km from the accommodation, while Avlaki Beach is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 38 km from House of Polymnia.
from
€81
/night
Located in Sísion and only 1.5 km from Boufos Beach, Malena Residence provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
The holiday home has a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Avlaki Beach is 1.7 km from Malena Residence, while Kalimera Kriti Beach is 2 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
Located in Vrachasi and only 19 km from Lake Voulismeni, Villa Aires provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a terrace and a swimming pool.
Featuring a Blu-ray player, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 5 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 32 km from Villa Aires, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 40 km from the accommodation.
from
€412
/night
Carob Villas, an Eco-Friendly Hideaway features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Sísion, 2.9 km from Boufos Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can swim in the pool with a view, go fishing or hiking, or relax in the garden and use the barbecue facilities.
Lake Voulismeni is 25 km from Carob Villas, an Eco-Friendly Hideaway, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 35 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€213
/night
Sissi Lux Villas features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Sissi, 2.3 km from Boufos Beach.
The villa provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Sissi Lux Villas offers a barbecue.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at the accommodation.
Avlaki Beach is 2.5 km from Sissi Lux Villas, while Lake Voulismeni is 25 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 35 km from the villa.
The Maliaris Gorge, which originates near the Peronides village, travels west of the Souvlos village where a trail commences, and combines with the Anemaliaris gorge before concluding at the Tzavlidon Vlyhada beach. This gorge, characterized by scrublands, expansive areas, and cave-filled walls, is a classic representation of the Mirabello region. Notably, the gorge is home to a massive cave known as Volakospilios, situated in its center.
The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.
Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.
Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.
The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).
Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.
The Adrianos Gorge originates from the Adrianos village. There are areas within the gorge where large rocks obstruct the pathway, making navigation challenging, but achievable (it takes approximately 3 hours to traverse). In close proximity to the gorge, you can explore the Maridon and Atziganospilios caves.
The river that courses through the gorge is a segment of the Skoulikaris or Xeropotamos River. This river collects water from the Potami village valley and, after covering several kilometers, it finally drains near the Agios Nikolaos town stadium.
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